“The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence: Analysis

Introduction: “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence

Published in 1926, “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence has become one of the author’s most popular and enduring short stories, exploring the themes of greed, materialism, and the corrupting influence of money. Set in England during the early 20th century, the story follows the tragic downfall of a young boy named Paul, who becomes obsessed with winning money to fulfill the unspoken desires of his mother and prove his own worth. With its vivid characterization, haunting imagery, and piercing critique of the social and economic systems of the time, “The Rocking Horse Winner” has become a staple of literary anthologies and a beloved classic of the modern short story.

Main Events in “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence

1. Paul, a young boy, becomes obsessed with winning money after hearing his mother complain about their financial situation.
2. Paul discovers that he has a unique ability to predict the winners of horse races through riding his rocking horse.
3. Using his winnings, Paul secretly gifts his mother with thousands of pounds, hoping to finally earn her love and affection.
4. Despite his efforts, Paul’s mother remains distant and ungrateful for his gifts, leading him to become increasingly desperate.
5. Paul continues to ride his rocking horse in a frenzied state, determined to earn more money.
6. His obsession with winning becomes all-consuming, causing him to neglect his own health and well-being.
7. Paul’s uncle, Oscar, begins to worry about his nephew’s behavior and attempts to intervene.
8. Despite Oscar’s efforts, Paul refuses to stop his frantic horse riding, leading to a tragic accident.
9. In the aftermath of Paul’s death, his mother finally realizes the true cost of her greed and materialism.
10. The story ends with the chilling words of the house whispering “There must be more money!” as the cycle of greed and obsession continues.

Literary Devices in “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence

1. Allusion – A reference to a well-known person, place, or event. In the story, Paul is described as “riding his rocking-horse until he gets a ‘winner,’ which is an allusion to horse racing.
2. Characterization – The process by which an author reveals the personality of a character. The story’s characters, such as Paul’s mother, are revealed through their actions and dialogue.
3. Foreshadowing – Hints or clues given by the author that suggest future events. In the story, the repeated mention of the phrase “There must be more money” foreshadows the tragedy that will occur.
4. Imagery – Descriptive language that creates a vivid sensory experience for the reader. For example, when Paul is riding his rocking-horse, the author uses imagery to describe his “flaming eyes” and “clenched little fists.”
5. Irony – A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. In the story, Paul’s mother desires money and wealth, but her son’s quest for money leads to tragedy.
6. Metaphor – A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. For example, the story’s title refers to the rocking horse, which is a metaphor for Paul’s quest for wealth.
7. Motif – A recurring theme or image in a work of literature. The phrase “There must be more money” is a motif in the story.
8. Narration – The act of telling a story. The story is narrated in the third person point of view.
9. Personification – Giving human qualities to non-human objects. In the story, the house is personified as “whispering” the phrase “There must be more money.”
10. Point of view – The perspective from which a story is told. The story is told from an omniscient third-person point of view.
11. Protagonist – The main character in a story. In the story, Paul is the protagonist.
12. Satire – A literary technique that uses humor and irony to criticize society or human behavior. The story is a satire on the culture of materialism and greed in early 20th century England.
13. Setting – The time and place in which a story takes place. The story is set in England in the early 20th century.
14. Symbolism – The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. The rocking-horse is a symbol of Paul’s desire for wealth and his mother’s obsession with money.
15. Theme – The central idea or message of a story. The themes of the story include the corrupting influence of money, the dangers of greed and materialism, and the consequences of neglecting one’s loved ones.

Characterization in “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence

Major Characters

• Paul: A sensitive young boy consumed by a desire to end his mother’s constant whispers of “There must be more money!” He exhibits an uncanny ability to intuit winning racehorses, riding his rocking horse into a frenzy to discover them. Paul’s motivation stems from a childlike desire to please and protect his mother, yet it also carries a tragic undercurrent of self-sacrifice.
• Paul’s Mother (Hester): More a symbol of greed and dissatisfaction than a fully fleshed character. She’s described as beautiful yet having “lost all her luck,” which drives her insatiable desire for wealth. While the narrative hints at genuine love for her children, her emotional distance is evident (“the children could not hear anything”). This neglect fuels Paul’s desperate attempts to fill the void with money.
• Paul’s Father: A shadowy figure, described as “handsome” yet ineffective as a provider of emotional support. His inability to understand his wife’s anxiety leaves the family feeling financially and emotionally vulnerable.

Minor Characters

• Paul’s Sisters: Their presence highlights the lack of a nurturing female presence in Paul’s life. They are largely oblivious to his struggles, further emphasizing his isolation.
• Uncle Oscar (Creswell): A worldly figure, Uncle Oscar is more attuned to Paul’s sensitivity and anxieties than his own parents. He plays along with Paul’s “luck,” unknowingly encouraging the boy’s dangerous obsession. Oscar’s ultimate financial success, in contrast to Paul’s fate, accentuates the story’s themes of chance, obsession, and the destructive allure of wealth.
• Bassett: The practical, working-class gardener forms a unique bond with Paul. He recognizes and facilitates Paul’s gift, becoming a co-conspirator in the quest for money. While Bassett benefits materially, his connection to Paul seems to possess a genuine element of care.

Major Themes in “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence

1. The destructive nature of materialism: One of the major themes in “The Rocking Horse Winner” is the destructive power of materialism. The story highlights how the pursuit of wealth and status can lead to emotional neglect and ultimately, tragedy.
2. The search for identity and purpose: Another important theme in the story is the search for identity and purpose. Paul’s desire to win money is driven by a need to prove himself to his mother and find a sense of purpose in his life.
3. The impact of societal expectations: The story also explores the impact of societal expectations on individuals and families. Paul’s mother is driven by a desire to maintain her social status, and this puts immense pressure on her family to live up to those expectations.
4. The power of imagination: Finally, “The Rocking Horse Winner” highlights the power of imagination and the human desire to transcend reality. Paul’s ability to communicate with the rocking horse and his belief in its ability to predict winners is a testament to the power of the human imagination. However, it also underscores the danger of becoming lost in one’s own fantasies and losing touch with reality.

Writing Style in “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence

1. Blending of Realism and Symbolism: Lawrence juxtaposes realistic details (“The children… were having such battles”) with symbolic elements like the rocking horse, representing both a childhood toy and a desperate vehicle for acquiring wealth.
2. Psychological Focus: The omniscient narrator delves into the characters’ inner thoughts, revealing Hester’s obsession (“There must be more money!”) and Paul’s frantic determination to uncover the “luck.”
3. Sensory Descriptions: Lawrence uses vivid imagery to create a tangible world (“the house came to feel hollow”) and convey emotional states (Paul’s riding reaching a “strange state, swinging, thrilling”).
4. Metaphorical Language – The whispers of the house (“There must be more money!”) embody a materialistic force consuming the family, while the frenzied riding foreshadows Paul’s self-destructive path.
5. Repetition and Foreshadowing: The repeated phrase “There must be more money!” highlights the relentless drive for wealth and foreshadows the story’s tragic conclusion.
6. Attention to Detail: Lawrence’s focus on small details, like the children’s eyes “blue with fear” or the “blazing fire,” heightens the emotional tension and paints a vivid picture of this dysfunctional family.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence

1. Psychoanalytic Theory: One interpretation of “The Rocking Horse Winner” is through the lens of psychoanalytic theory. The story can be seen as a manifestation of the Oedipus complex, with Paul’s desire to win money representing his need to replace his absent father and prove himself to his mother. This interpretation is supported by the fact that Paul’s mother refers to him as her “little man” and that his desire to please her is linked to his sexual and emotional development (Freud, 1900).
2. Marxist Theory: Another interpretation of the story is through the lens of Marxist theory. The story can be seen as a critique of the capitalist system and the obsession with material wealth that it breeds. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the characters are all driven by a desire for money and social status, which ultimately leads to their downfall. The story can also be seen as a commentary on the inequality and exploitation inherent in the capitalist system (Marx, 1867).
3. Formalist Theory: A formalist interpretation of “The Rocking Horse Winner” would focus on the language and structure of the story. This approach emphasizes the way that the story is constructed, the use of literary devices such as foreshadowing and repetition, and the ways in which the language and imagery contribute to the overall effect of the story (Shklovsky, 1917).
4. Feminist Theory: A feminist interpretation of the story would focus on the portrayal of Paul’s mother and the gender roles that are enforced in the story. This approach emphasizes the way that the story reinforces traditional gender roles, with the mother being portrayed as a passive and dependent figure, while the male characters are seen as active and capable. The story can also be seen as a critique of the patriarchal society in which it is set, and the way that women are expected to sacrifice their own desires and ambitions for the sake of their families (de Beauvoir, 1949).
5. Reader-Response Theory: Finally, a reader-response interpretation of the story would focus on the way that individual readers respond to the story and the meanings that they derive from it. This approach emphasizes the subjective nature of interpretation and the way that readers bring their own experiences and perspectives to the text (Iser, 1978).

Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence

Essay Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Materialism & Family	How does the story portray the destructive impact of greed and materialism on family relationships?	“The Rocking Horse Winner” depicts a family consumed by materialism; this insatiable desire for wealth leads to emotional neglect, isolation, and ultimately, tragedy.
The Role of Luck	To what extent are the characters in “The Rocking Horse Winner” driven by luck versus agency?	While seemingly governed by luck, “The Rocking Horse Winner” demonstrates how obsession and a distorted view of success can mask a desperate attempt to exert control within a chaotic world.
Symbolism & Meaning	How does D.H. Lawrence use the rocking horse as a central symbol in the story?	The rocking horse in “The Rocking Horse Winner” transforms from a childhood object into a complex symbol representing the desperate pursuit of wealth, the yearning for love, and ultimately, tragic self-sacrifice.
Childhood Perspective	How does the story’s use of a child protagonist shape the reader’s understanding of the events and themes?	Lawrence’s decision to tell “The Rocking Horse Winner” from a child’s perspective emphasizes the vulnerability, distorted perceptions, and tragic consequences of adult failures.
Social Critique	In what ways does “The Rocking Horse Winner” offer a critique of class and society?	“The Rocking Horse Winner” subtly indicts a society that prioritizes material wealth over emotional well-being, exposing the damaging consequences of this value system, particularly on the lives of children.

Short Question-Answer “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence

• What is the significance of the title “The Rocking Horse Winner” in the story?

The title “The Rocking Horse Winner” is significant in the story because it introduces the central metaphor of the narrative. The rocking horse represents the characters’ desire for wealth and success, and the term “winner” suggests the theme of competition that pervades the story. The title also hints at the tragic consequences of the characters’ obsession with money, as the pursuit of wealth ultimately leads to Paul’s downfall. Overall, the title sets the tone for the story and prepares the reader for the haunting, surreal quality of the narrative.

• How does D.H. Lawrence use symbolism in “The Rocking Horse Winner” to convey the story’s themes?

D.H. Lawrence uses symbolism extensively in “The Rocking Horse Winner” to convey the story’s themes of greed, materialism, and the destructive power of obsession. The rocking horse, for example, serves as a metaphor for the characters’ desire for wealth and success, while the whispers that Paul hears in his home represent the voices of consumerism and societal pressure. The character of Paul himself can be seen as a symbol of the dangers of valuing material possessions over human relationships, while his mother represents the negative effects of consumerism on interpersonal dynamics. By using symbolism, Lawrence creates a rich, complex narrative that encourages the reader to think deeply about the story’s central themes.

• How does “The Rocking Horse Winner” reflect the societal pressures of its time?

“The Rocking Horse Winner” reflects the societal pressures of its time by highlighting the emphasis placed on wealth and status during the early 20th century. The characters in the story are driven by a desire for material possessions and social status, and their obsession with money leads to their downfall. The story can be seen as a critique of the consumerism and materialism that characterized the period, as well as a commentary on the destructive effects of societal pressure and conformity. By depicting the negative consequences of valuing wealth over human relationships, Lawrence encourages the reader to consider the priorities that truly matter in life.

• What is the significance of the ending of “The Rocking Horse Winner”?

The ending of “The Rocking Horse Winner” is significant because it highlights the tragic consequences of the characters’ obsession with money. Paul’s death and his mother’s eventual realization of the harm that her consumerist desires have caused create a haunting, surreal atmosphere that lingers long after the story has ended. The ending also underscores the theme of the destructive power of greed and materialism, as Paul’s attempts to win money and his mother’s desire for wealth ultimately lead to their downfall. The ambiguous, dream-like quality of the ending further emphasizes the story’s central metaphor of the rocking horse and encourages the reader to consider the deeper meanings and themes of the narrative.

Literary Works Similar to “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence

1. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka: Gregor Samsa’s shocking transformation into a giant insect explores alienation, family burden, and the dehumanizing nature of modern society. Both stories center around a protagonist desperately trying to fulfill unobtainable expectations.
2. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: This short story’s chilling portrayal of a seemingly ordinary town harboring a dark ritual of sacrifice highlights how adherence to tradition and conformity can perpetuate cruelty. Its focus on chance and the power of societal forces resonate with themes in “The Rocking Horse Winner.”

3. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens: While more expansive in scope, this classic novel similarly explores the corrupting influence of wealth and social ambition. Pip’s journey from humble origins to a life of luxury mirrors Paul’s desperate desire to elevate his family’s status.
4. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: Holden Caulfield’s disillusionment with the adult world and his cynicism about societal norms resonate with the underlying critique of materialism in Lawrence’s story. Both protagonists are sensitive souls navigating hostile environments.
5. A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry: This play explores a family’s dreams and struggles for economic stability, offering a complex look at conflicting desires within a loving yet strained family dynamic. The Younger family’s aspirations for a better life echo the destructive desire for wealth in “The Rocking Horse Winner.”

Suggested Readings: “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence

Scholarly Articles

• Pinsker, Sanford. “Lawrence’s ‘The Rocking-Horse Winner’: A Reinterpretation.” D.H. Lawrence Review 30.2 (1999): 101-12. (Offers a more nuanced perspective on the motivations of Paul’s mother)
• Childs, Peter. Theories and Histories of Modernism. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2008. (Provides context for understanding Lawrence’s writing within the wider Modernist literary movement)
• Balbert, Peter. D.H. Lawrence and the Phallic Imagination. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2001 (Includes in-depth analysis of “The Rocking Horse Winner” with a focus on psychoanalytic theory)

Websites and Resources

• The D.H. Lawrence Society of North America: Offers scholarly resources, articles, and information about upcoming conferences related to Lawrence’s work. ([invalid URL removed])
• The Literature Network: Features the full text of the story and a forum for discussion. (https://www.online-literature.com/)